Apparatus having a bottom opening pocket

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a bottom opening pocket that can be attached to an apparatus such as a backpack, a vest, a wheelchair, etc. The bottom opening pocket provides a user with ready access to contents. In one embodiment, the bottom opening pocket includes a flap that opens away from the body so that it can assist in guiding the contents through the opening. Further, a size of the bottom opening pocket can be adjusted and/or additional support can be provided to accommodate items of various sizes and weights.

REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION

[0001] The current application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S.Provisional Application No. 46,675, filed on Feb. 11, 2003, which ishereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention relates generally to apparatuses for carryingitems, and more specifically, to an apparatus that includes at least onebottom opening pocket.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Carrying devices, such as a bag, are frequently used to carryvarious types of items for various purposes. Many carrying devices aredesigned to be carried, while other carrying devices are configured tobe worn on the body, such as a backpack, or a vest, pair of pants, belt,or the like that includes one or more pockets (e.g., pouches), etc.Frequently, a user will use a carrying device to easily carry one ormore items that are desired to be rapidly accessed. For example, a usercan place emergency treatment, protective apparatus, supplies, and thelike into a carrying device for easier carrying.

[0004] To date, many carrying devices include one or more pockets thatcan be closed and opened across the top through the use of a zipper, abutton, a clasp, a catch, a hook and loop fastener, and the like.However, these carrying devices frequently do not provide sufficientlyeasy access to the contents. For example, a user will often need todivert his/her attention in order to open the pocket and/or locate thecontents of the pocket.

[0005] One solution for enhancing the ease with which items can beretrieved from a pocket is by providing a bottom opening pocket. In thiscase, when the pocket is opened, the contents will drop out due togravity. However, to date, no general purpose solution has been proposedfor carrying any type of item in such a pocket. For example, a bottomopening pocket has been proposed for carrying bullets. Further, divingequipment has been proposed that incorporates a bottom opening pocketfor holding diving weights and/or an air tank. Still further, a bottomopening pocket has been proposed for holding plate armor.

[0006] Each of these solutions lack one or more desirable features for abottom opening pocket that provides for ready access of its contents.For example, most solutions are specifically shaped for a particularitem (e.g., bullets, oxygen tank, plate armor), while the user maydesire easy access to one or more other items of various sizes andshapes. Further, when designed to be worn on the body, solutionstypically propose having the lower flap open toward the body. Thislimits a user's ability to readily control the contents as they exit thepocket.

[0007] As a result, a need exists for an apparatus that includes one ormore bottom opening pockets. In particular, a need exists for a bottomopening pocket having a sufficient size, for carrying various items,having an adjustable size, having sufficient support for items ofvarious weights, and/or having a flap that opens away from the user'sbody to allow for more control of the released contents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The invention provides an apparatus that includes at least onebottom opening pocket. Specifically, under the present invention, abottom opening pocket is provided that can be attached to any type ofapparatus. The apparatus could be configured to be readily carried byhand (e.g., a bag), configured to be worn on the body of an individual(e.g., a backpack), configured to hold an individual (e.g., awheelchair), etc. In one embodiment, the bottom opening pocket isattached to an apparatus that is configured to be worn on the torso ofan individual. In this case, the bottom opening pocket can include aflap that opens away from the body of the individual. Further, the size,shape, and/or area of the bottom opening pocket can be adjustable toallow for various sizes of items to be placed in the pocket and readilyretrieved from the pocket. Still further, the bottom opening pocket canbe configured to include sufficient support for holding items of variousweights.

[0009] A first aspect of the invention provides an apparatus configuredto be worn on a torso of an individual, the apparatus comprising: meansfor holding the apparatus on the torso; and means for attaching a pocketto the means for holding, wherein the pocket includes: an inner sideattached to the means for holding; an opening at a bottom of the pocket;a flap for covering the opening; and means for opening the flap awayfrom the torso.

[0010] A second aspect of the invention provides an apparatus configuredto be worn on a torso of an individual, the apparatus comprising: aholding system for holding the apparatus on the torso; an attachingsystem for attaching a pocket to the holding system, wherein the pocketincludes: an opening at a bottom of the pocket; and a flap forreleasably covering the opening; and an adjustment system for adjustablyconfiguring a horizontal area of the pocket.

[0011] A third aspect of the invention provides an apparatus configuredto be worn on a torso of an individual, the apparatus comprising: meansfor holding the apparatus on the torso; and means for attaching a pocketto the means for holding, wherein the pocket includes: an opening at abottom of the pocket; an outer side opposite the means for holding; aleft side and a right side that form a substantially rectangular holdingarea along with the outer side; a flap for covering the opening; andmeans for releasably attaching the flap to the left side, the rightside, and at least one of: the outer side, an inner side adjacent themeans for holding, and the means for holding.

[0012] The illustrative aspects of the present invention are designed tosolve the problems herein described and other problems not discussed,which are discoverable by a skilled artisan.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] These and other features of this invention will be more readilyunderstood from the following detailed description of the variousaspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which:

[0014]FIG. 1 shows an illustrative backpack that includes a bottomopening pocket;

[0015]FIG. 2 shows the illustrative backpack of FIG. 1 with the useraccessing an item stored in the bottom opening pocket;

[0016]FIG. 3 shows an illustrative bottom opening pocket;

[0017]FIG. 4A shows an illustrative reflector strip in the closedposition;

[0018]FIG. 4B shows the reflector strip of FIG. 4A in the exposedposition;

[0019]FIG. 5 shows a back view of an illustrative vest that includes abottom opening pocket;

[0020]FIG. 6 shows a front view of the vest of FIG. 5;

[0021]FIG. 7 shows an illustrative bottom opening pocket that closesusing a drawstring; and

[0022]FIG. 8 shows an illustrative wheelchair that includes a bottomopening pocket.

[0023] It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale.The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of theinvention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scopeof the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents likeelements between the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] As indicated above, the invention provides an apparatus thatincludes at least one bottom opening pocket. Specifically, under thepresent invention, a bottom opening pocket is provided that can beattached to any type of apparatus. The apparatus could be configured tobe readily carried by hand (e.g., a bag), configured to be worn on thebody of an individual (e.g., a backpack), configured to hold anindividual (e.g., a wheelchair), etc. In one embodiment, the bottomopening pocket is attached to an apparatus that is configured to be wornon the torso of an individual. In this case, the bottom opening pocketcan include a flap that opens away from the body of the individual.Further, the size, shape, and/or area of the bottom opening pocket canbe adjustable to allow for various sizes of items to be placed in thepocket and readily retrieved from the pocket. Still further, the bottomopening pocket can be configured to include sufficient support forholding items of various weights. As used herein, the term “pocket” isused to refer to any type of bag, pouch, or enclosure used to carry oneor more articles. To this extent, the term “pocket” includes anattachment to a larger apparatus such as a child carrier, the storagearea of an apparatus such as a duffle bag, etc.

[0025] Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a user 2 wearing a backpack10 that includes a bottom opening pocket 12 according to one embodimentof the invention. Backpack 10 is shown including a holding system inorder to hold backpack 10 on the torso of user 2. In one embodiment, theholding system includes shoulder straps 14A-B for placing over theshoulders of user 2. Further, backpack 10 is shown including a largepocket 16 that can be selectively closed and opened using zippers 18A-B.Pocket 16 can comprise a typical pocket in which contents can be placedinto and removed from pocket 16 from the top and/or side of pocket 16.As is typical, a bottom of pocket 16 can be permanently closed (e.g.,sewn together).

[0026] Bottom opening pocket 12 is shown attached to backpack 10 bybeing attached to an outer side of pocket 16. Bottom opening pocket 12can be attached to backpack 10 using an attaching system thatincorporates any known solution. To this extent, bottom opening pocket12 can be permanently or removably attached to backpack 10. For example,bottom opening pocket 12 can be attached to backpack 10 by sewing, usingone or more hook and loop fasteners, buttons, buckles, straps, zippers,clasps, catches, and the like. While backpack 10 is shown only includingpocket 16 and bottom opening pocket 12, it is understood that additionalpockets of various sizes, shapes, etc., can also be included. Further,these pockets can be located anywhere on backpack 10, such as on or inpocket 16 and/or bottom opening pocket 12.

[0027] In any event, bottom opening pocket 12 can include a flap 20 thatcan releasably cover an opening at the bottom of bottom opening pocket12. In one embodiment, flap 20 is capable of being readily released frombottom opening pocket 12 through the use of a single hand. This allowsthe second hand to grasp the item(s) located in bottom opening pocket12. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, bottom opening pocket 12 can beconfigured to be located on a user's back. In this case, releasing flap20 from bottom opening pocket 12 should also be capable of beingperformed with the limited range of motion that is available to a user 2when reaching around his/her back.

[0028]FIG. 3 shows an illustrative bottom opening pocket 112 thatincludes a flap 120 for releasably covering an opening 121 at the bottomof bottom opening pocket 112. Bottom opening pocket 112 is shown withflap 120 in the open position. As shown, bottom opening pocket 112includes an inner side 122, an outer side 124, a left side 126, and aright side 128 that form a substantially rectangular holding area 130.It is understood however, that inner side 122 could comprise a portionof an apparatus (e.g., an outer side of pocket 16 shown in FIG. 1) towhich bottom opening pocket 112 is attached, rather than part of bottomopening pocket 112. Further, while each side is described as comprisinga right, left, inner, or outer side, it is understood that any side ofbottom opening pocket 112 could be attached to an apparatus (e.g.,backpack 10 shown in FIG. 1). For example, left side 126 of bottomopening pocket 112 could be attached to backpack 10 so that flap 120opens from right to left. Still further, it is understood that holdingarea 130 of bottom opening pocket 112 could comprise any type of shapesuch as, for example, a trapezoid, a triangle, a circular, an oval, acylinder, etc.

[0029] Flap 120 is shown permanently affixed to outer side 124, and canbe releasably attached to inner side 122, left side 126, and/or rightside 128. For example, flap 120 is shown including hook or loopfasteners 132A-C, while the corresponding sides of bottom opening pocket112 are each shown including the complementary hook or loop fasteners134A-C. By using hook and loop fasteners or the like, flap 120 can bereadily pulled downward to release the contents of bottom opening pocket112. By including multiple attachment points for flap 120 to bottomopening pocket 112, bottom opening pocket 112 can hold heavier items,and the risk of an item falling through a gap formed between flap 120and bottom opening pocket 112 is reduced. It is understood that flap 120can be releasably attached to bottom opening pocket 112 in one or morelocations using any solution. Further, it is understood that, ratherthan being attached to inner side 122, flap 120 could be releasablyattached to a portion of an apparatus (e.g., an outer side of pocket 16shown in FIG. 1) to which bottom opening pocket 112 is attached. Stillfurther, it is understood that flap 120 could comprise a continuousportion of outer side 124 that extends sufficiently beyond left side 126and right side 128 to substantially cover the opening at the bottom.

[0030] Returning to FIG. 1, flap 20 is shown including a pull cord 36attached thereto. Pull cord 36 can be used by user 2 to assist indetaching flap 20 from bottom opening pocket 12 and/or backpack 10 toaccess the contents of bottom opening pocket 12. For example, FIG. 2shows user 2 removing an item 40 from bottom opening pocket 12. Inparticular, user 2 is shown grasping pull cord 36 with his/her righthand in order to release flap 20. User 2 can then use his/her left handto grasp item 40. As shown, flap 20, backpack 10, and/or the body ofuser 2 provide guidance for item 40 as it exits bottom opening pocket12. This provides user 2 with more control over the movement of item 40and makes retrieval of item 40 easier.

[0031] Returning to FIG. 1, pull cord 36 allows user 2 to readily locateand open flap 20. In particular, pull cord 36 can be located adjacent tobackpack 10 so that user 2 does not need to grasp in the air to locatepull cord 36. It is understood that numerous alternatives to pull cord36 can be used. For example, a hanging stick, a chain, a loop, a handleor the like could be used. In the latter two cases, the loop or handlecan be located close to backpack 10 to be readily located and reduce thepossibility of its becoming hooked on an object. Further, while pullcord 36 is shown including a spool handle 38 attached thereto forassisting user 2 in grasping and pulling, it is understood that pullcord 36 could be implemented without spool handle 38.

[0032] Backpack 10 is also shown including an adjustment system. In oneembodiment, adjustment system comprises a pair of straps 42A, 42B thatcan be used to adjust an area of bottom opening pocket 12. Inparticular, each strap 42A, 42B can be attached to a location on bottomopening pocket 12 or backpack 10 near where bottom opening pocket 12 isattached to backpack 10. Each strap 42A, 42B can be independentlyadjusted by using buckles 44A, 44B, respectively, that are each attachedat an approximate horizontal center 43 of the outer side of bottomopening pocket 12. This enables user 2 to adjust a cross sectional areaof bottom opening pocket 12 based on the size of an item 40 (FIG. 2)that is contained within bottom opening pocket 12. Further, straps 42A,42B can be tightly adjusted when item 40 is within bottom opening pocket12 to provide additional support for item 40. It is understood thatvarious other solutions for reducing an area and/or altering a shape ofbottom opening pocket 12 could be used as readily apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art. For example, a single strap could be usedthat includes hook and loop fasteners that enable its length to beadjusted. Further, multiple straps and/or pairs of straps could beincluded along the vertical length of bottom opening pocket 12. Stillfurther, one or more sides of bottom opening pocket 12 could includehook and loop fasteners or the like that allow the area to beenlarged/reduced.

[0033] Various additional features can be incorporated onto bottomopening pocket 12. For example, bottom opening pocket 12 is shownincluding a reflective strip 50. In one embodiment, reflective strip 50can be selectively exposed or concealed. FIGS. 4A-B show an illustrativereflective strip 150 that can be selectively exposed. In FIG. 4A,reflective strip 150 is shown in the concealed position. In particular,reflective strip 150 is shown attached to bottom opening pocket 12(FIG. 1) in a center area, thereby forming a left strip 152 and a rightstrip 154. Left strip 152 can include a hook or loop fastener 156 thatallows left strip 152 to be releasably attached to a corresponding hookor loop fastener 158 that is attached to bottom opening pocket 12(FIG. 1) to expose a pair of reflective areas 160A-B as shown in FIG.4B.

[0034] Continuing with FIG. 4B, left strip 152 and right strip 154 areeach shown including a corresponding pair of hook or loop fasteners162A-B that allow reflective areas 160A-B to be releasably concealed.Right strip 154 can be permanently attached to bottom opening pocket 12(FIG. 1) or releasably attached using the same solution as left strip152. It is understood that reflective strip 150 is only illustrative andvarious alternatives are possible. Further, reflective areas 160A-B areonly illustrative of an item that can be selectively concealed andexposed. For example, instead of reflective areas 160A-B, reflectivestrip could comprise a name tag or alternative identifier for a user 2(FIG. 1), a clear pocket for inserting any desired item, a hook or loopfastener, or the like.

[0035] To this extent, as shown in FIG. 1, bottom opening pocket 12 caninclude an area 64 for temporarily attaching any type of identifier. Forexample, area 64 could comprise an area of hook or loop fasteners thatenables a patch to be releasably attached to bottom opening pocket 12using the corresponding hook or loop fasteners. Alternatively, area 64could comprise a clear pocket or the like for inserting a desiredobject. Various further improvements can be made to bottom openingpocket 12 as known in the art. For example, padding and/or stiffeningcan be added to one or more sides, the top, and/or the bottom of bottomopening pocket 12. Further, the bottom flap can also include a zipper orthe like for providing a stronger, more sturdy attachment when quickaccess to the contents of bottom opening pocket 12 is not desired.

[0036] Backpack 10 is only illustrative of the various apparatuses towhich bottom opening pocket 12 can be attached. For example, FIGS. 5 and6 show back and front views, respectively, of an illustrative vest 70that includes a bottom opening pocket 72. As shown, bottom openingpocket 72 can be attached to a back side of vest 70. Further, bottomopening pocket 72 is shown including a top flap 73 for covering a topopening of bottom opening pocket 72. Top flap 73 can be releasablyattached to all or a portion of bottom opening pocket 72 using a zipperor the like. By including a top opening in bottom opening pocket 72,user 2 (FIG. 1) can insert and/or remove one or more items into bottomopening pocket 72 from the top. This may be easier when vest 70 is notbeing worn by user 2.

[0037] In addition to bottom opening pocket 72, a side opening pocket 74is also shown attached to vest 70 in a location below bottom openingpocket 72. Further, vest 70 is shown having a pair of top openingpockets 76A-B attached to a front side of vest 70. It is understood thatthe various sizes and arrangement of pockets is only illustrative. Tothis extent, vest 70 could include more or fewer pockets in similar ordifferent locations. For example, bottom opening pocket 72 could beattached to the front side of vest 70.

[0038] One or more bottom opening pockets can be attached to otherapparatuses other than backpack 10 (FIG. 1) and/or vest 70 (FIG. 5). Forexample, other apparatuses configured to be worn on a torso of anindividual include a waistpack, a belt, a jacket, a shirt, a childcarrier, a one-shouldered backpack, a bag, etc. Further, a bottomopening pocket could be attached to other apparatuses configured to becarried by an individual, such as a duffle bag, a suitcase, etc. Stillfurther, a bottom opening pocket could be attached to an apparatus inwhich an individual is located. For example, FIG. 7 shows anillustrative wheelchair 80 having a bottom opening pocket 82 attachedthereto. It is understood that numerous apparatuses for individuals arepossible including a seat, a chair, a stroller, a wheelchair, etc., aswell as other apparatuses for carrying items such as a luggage carrier,a hand truck, etc. To this extent, the bottom opening pocket can beapplied to many uses including carrying emergency equipment, carryingclothing that can be accessed by a child, and many other applicationsnot specifically mentioned herein.

[0039] Additionally, while the bottom opening pocket has been primarilyshown and described as including a flap or the like for providing accessto the item(s) in the bottom opening pocket. It is understood thatvarious alternatives to a flap can be used to provide quick access tothe bottom opening pocket. For example, FIG. 8 shows a bottom openingpocket 90 that has an opening substantially closed using drawstring 92.In this embodiment, user 2 can access an item in bottom opening pocket90 by stretching the opening constricted by drawstring 92. In thismanner, the material of bottom opening pocket 90 previously constrictedby drawstring 92 may form a chute through which an item in bottomopening pocket 90 will pass. As a result, user 2 will maintain bettercontrol over the item during retrieval.

[0040] The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention hasbeen presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations arepossible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to aperson skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scopeof the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus configured to be worn on a torso of an individual, the apparatus comprising: means for holding the apparatus on the torso; and means for attaching a pocket to the means for holding, wherein the pocket includes: an inner side attached to the means for holding; an opening at a bottom of the pocket; a flap for covering the opening; and means for opening the flap away from the torso.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises one of a vest and a backpack.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further includes a second pocket having an opening at a top of the second pocket.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pocket further includes: an outer side opposite the means for holding; a left side and a right side that form a substantially rectangular holding area along with the outer side and the inner side; and means for releasably attaching the flap to the left side and the right side.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further includes means for adjustably configuring a horizontal area of the pocket.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flap includes at least one of: a pull string and a handle for releasing the flap.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pocket further includes: a reflector strip; and means for selectively exposing the reflector strip.
 8. An apparatus configured to be worn on a torso of an individual, the apparatus comprising: a holding system for holding the apparatus on the torso; an attaching system for attaching a pocket to the holding system, wherein the pocket includes: an opening at a bottom of the pocket; and a flap for releasably covering the opening; and an adjustment system for adjustably configuring a horizontal area of the pocket.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the pocket further includes an outer side opposite the holding system, and wherein the flap is permanently attached to the outer side.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the flap releasably attaches to the pocket in at least three locations.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the apparatus comprises one of a vest and a backpack.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the adjustment system comprises at least one adjustable strap.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the adjustment system comprises: a first adjustable strap for adjustably configuring a first side of the pocket; and a second adjustable strap for adjustably configuring a second side of the pocket.
 14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the pocket is attached to the holding system in an area configured to be located on the back of the torso.
 15. An apparatus configured to be worn on a torso of an individual, the apparatus comprising: means for holding the apparatus on the torso; and means for attaching a pocket to the means for holding, wherein the pocket includes: an opening at a bottom of the pocket; an outer side opposite the means for holding; a left side and a right side that form a substantially rectangular holding area along with the outer side; a flap for covering the opening; and means for releasably attaching the flap to the left side, the right side, and at least one of: the outer side, an inner side adjacent the means for holding, and the means for holding.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the apparatus further includes means for adjustably configuring a horizontal area of the pocket.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the flap is permanently attached to the outer side.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the means for releasably attaching comprise a hook and loop fastener.
 19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the pocket is releasably attached to the means for holding.
 20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the pocket further includes an opening at a top of the pocket. 